Dear Editor,
Leading up to our 50th Independence anniversary celebrations, some have taken upon themselves to reflect and share their opinions on the significance of that event in terms of Guyana’s political history. Not surprisingly, those recollections and opinions, rather than assuming a broader nationalist narrative, emanated from the usual narrow prisms. Certain party and political leaders are assigned greater significance than the wider nationalist aspiration.
It is against this backdrop that a recent letter by former President Donald Ramotar (‘Cheddi Jagan was Guyana’s greatest asset’ SN, May 24) requires some level of scrutiny. The former President reminded us that the PPP and Dr Cheddi Jagan were the central architects of Guyana’s independence.
The PPP was birthed from the PAC in 1950, and central to its agenda was full independence for British Guiana. Those are undisputed facts. However, an objective examination of the events from 1953 to 1966 would reveal that the struggle for independence was wider in terms of participation by political parties and personalities.
There were other personalities like Jai Narine Singh, Balram Singh Rai, Sydney King, EMG Wilson, John Carter, and WOR Kendall who stood full square behind full independence. Also, although there were significant differences in political approach and orientation, the PNC party and its leader Forbes Burnham were unrelenting in the demand for independence as early as 1957.
As we celebrate fifty years of independent status, maybe it is time that we reflect on the errors that have thus far denied citizens significant progress. The former President has every right to his opinion and passion about his party and leader. However, he is by no means entitled to his own facts where the nation is concerned. Dr Cheddi Jagan is one of the most significant players in our political history. That fact is unchallenged.
Nonetheless, neither the former President nor his party were the exclusive architects of our independence. There were many others who played very important roles.
In closing, there is one small matter that I would hope the former President and his group of historical revisionists can assist with. Given that he assigns singular importance to Dr Jagan in the fight for independence as a nation.
Would the former President be so kind as to explain the thrust of the letter from Dr Jagan to Secretary of State Anthony Greenwood suggesting partition in December 1964 when he was defeated at the polls? (Palmer, 2010)
Yours faithfully,
Leroy Nelson
